There are many quotes about innovation and how it is fostered. I have several hanging in my office. We recently looked to these as we were deciding the name for our new breakfast series. Our brainstorming kept coming back to the concept that ideas are the beginning - they create the "spark" that fuels innovation. Good ideas... bad ideas... ideas that need time to marinate... etc. It seems undeniable (and simplistic to say) that innovation begins with ideas. Too often we don't give ourselves space and time to explore ideas for the sake of exploring ideas. If we did, what might "spark"?
The Innovation District is launching a new breakfast series called Morning Sparks: Innovation X-change. This series will be the opportunity to explore emerging technologies and concepts, learn about District partners' related efforts and engage in thoughtful (and hopefully spirited) discussions about the future.
We are looking forward to seeing what "sparks" at our first Morning Sparks on April 24th. For more details click here.
Have a great spring!
Alison Barlow
Executive Director
Last month, the Maritime and Defense Technology Hub kicked off the school year with a lively Retro Back-to-School themed Happy Hour. Tenants brought their families, and the space was filled with throwback snacks, classic laser backdrop photo ops, and plenty of nostalgic fun.
Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay's 3DE initiative connects high school students with local and national businesses, giving them hands-on experience in problem-solving.
October always feels like conference season — a time when professionals from around the world gather to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and strengthen collaborations. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the OCEANS 2025 Conference in Chicago, a global gathering for those advancing ocean science and maritime technology.